VDA President Hildegard Müller regarding introduction of countervailing tariffs

"The introduction of countervailing tariffs is a step backwards for global free trade and thus for prosperity, job security and growth in Europe. The countervailing tariffs increase the risk of an extensive trade conflict.

The industry is not naive in its dealings with China. However, the challenges must be resolved through dialogue. And we need a policy that makes the location internationally competitive, opens up new markets, focuses on innovation and secures a confident role for us on the world stage. The German automotive industry has successfully faced up to the competition for decades. We are growing because of this. This also applies to competition with China. In particular, we need internationally competitive economic conditions for this.

Let's look at another direct and potential consequence of the current course: the additional tariffs will also make vehicles more expensive for consumers, thereby jeopardizing the ramp-up of e-mobility.

The door for negotiations remains open. This is the only positive news today. The possibility of abolishing the additional tariffs with a jointly agreed and WTO-compliant solution must continue to be pursued with determination by all sides."